subject: being a decorator [print this page] To be handy at DIY, vs just enthusiastic, a certain temperament is required. If you're someone who acts in haste, is a little slap-dash or incapable of getting near a task rationally, then maybe self-initiated home improvements are not a great idea. All projects have to be conscientiously thought-out and executed -even painting the garden fence wishes preparatory work.
If you are sufficiently lucky to possess a personality that permits you to successfully carryout a little DIY, do not be tricked into believing you can begin to bill others for your services, entry into professional decorating is not so straightforward. A whole new vocabulary needs to be understood if you are to mix in. 'Contract ' could refer to the legal sort, or to the quality of materials you are using, ( so 'contract ' paint is equivalent to a superstore 'value ' range. ) Paint itself is a minefield, with primers, undercoats, matt, gloss, and satin finishes, forever. Even parts of your place will take on different names ; your doors and windows will have 'jambs ', vs 'sides. '
lots of part time handymen run into difficulties due to a gross underestimation of the level of ground work that's needed. If the whole process of painting a room was taken into account, then the 300-400 charged by an expert appears reasonably good price -the fun part of putting on the final coat is a relatively minor part of the general job.
Firstly , are the walls themselves smooth and free from holes and dents? If not, they might need to be plastered and skimmed, ( the final, thin, smooth layer of plaster ). If your walls are plastered but have holes to be filled, the plaster must be sealed with PVA glue. Inversely, if you're applying paint to reveal plaster, then it has to be primed -this can be done with watered down matt paint. Are you still following? If not, your stunning, ( and doubtless pricey ), topcoat may very well peel off.
This is the level of information you'd need for just a small part of the pro decorators inventory. If you wished to progress to painting woodwork then a second set of 'know-how ' is required. This could involve the complex world of electric tools -as sanding a staircase by hand would be a comprehensive process. Here you might simply show your stupidity in not being aware about the difference between orbital and palm sanders, vibrating plates and spinning discs, ( no, it's not some kind of gymnasium equipment ) An amateur is simply spotted, as their power tools are probably going to be colored green, as opposed to the blue of the expert
